I think men who have a pierced ear are better prepared for marriage. They've experienced pain and bought jewelry.

In this quote, Rita Rudner, a comedian known for her witty and satirical observations about relationships, humorously suggests that men with a pierced ear are better prepared for marriage because they have already experienced some of the discomforts and sacrifices that come with commitment. The pain of getting a piercing, coupled with the act of buying jewelry, is used as a playful metaphor for the compromises and investments that marriage often requires.

Rudner's comment plays on the stereotype that men are often reluctant to engage in the more emotional or material aspects of relationships, such as expressing love through gifts or enduring physical discomfort for the sake of someone else. By pointing out that men who have undergone the "pain" of getting a piercing and the financial outlay of buying jewelry are better equipped for the relational challenges of marriage, she cleverly highlights the absurdity of certain expectations in a relationship—suggesting that men who can endure these small sacrifices might be more adaptable to the bigger ones that come with marriage.

The quote is meant to be humorous, not to be taken literally, and plays with the idea that marriage involves both sacrifice and give-and-take, just like the decision to get a piercing or buy jewelry for a partner. Rudner’s wit serves to poke fun at the often high expectations and occasional absurdities of relationships, while also subtly suggesting that true partnership requires a willingness to endure discomfort or make investments, whether in the form of time, effort, or material gifts.

Ultimately, Rudner’s quote reflects her signature comedic style—using humor to make light of complex subjects like marriage and commitment, while also offering a clever commentary on the small but meaningful actions that can contribute to a successful relationship. Through a lighthearted comparison, she encourages a more playful and realistic view of the challenges and rewards of marriage.